Forming around 8% of the population, ISFP personalities are generally seen as the most spontaneous and unpredictable of all Introverted (I) types. Only one thing is constant in their lives and that is change—ISFPs love exploring and embracing new things, ideas, and activities. They are very good at sensing such opportunities, but the ISFP personality traits also push them toward experimenting and coming up with ideas that no one has thought of before. ISFPs usually find it easy to set new trends and inspire other people. Their penchant for experimentation is unmatched by any other personality type.

ISFP_1This personality trait is connected with ISFPs’ love of freedom—ISFPs are very independent and fiercely resist all forms of control. People with this personality type are the ultimate “free souls,” seeing nearly all rules, guidelines, and traditions as self-imposed limitations that make life dull and boring. ISFPs live completely in the present, refusing to dwell on the past or prepare extensive plans for the future. They take things as they come, experimenting and adapting their behavior as necessary.

While certain personality types—especially Sentinels (SJ)—would discard such notions as irresponsible and reckless, ISFPs actually do great in areas that require an artistic, independent approach. ISFP personalities also tend to be very charming, mostly because they find it really easy to pick the best compliment for a particular person. ISFPs’ Observant (S) and Feeling (F) traits mean that they are very much in tune with the physical, sensual world. Consequently, ISFPs rarely have difficulties connecting with other people, despite being Introverted (I). Even when the ISFP is being truly unpredictable or even reckless, their charm easily disarms those around them.

That being said, ISFPs also need time to withdraw from social interaction and let their mind rest. This personality trait can often surprise other people who may have believed that ISFPs’ spontaneity and enthusiasm meant that they would always desire to be “in the open.” However, at the end of the day, ISFPs are still Introverted (I) and their inner batteries need some time to recharge. This contributes to the air of unpredictability and mystery that usually surrounds ISFPs. If someone with this personality type is very private, even their closest friends may have difficulties anticipating an ISFP’s thoughts and reactions.

ISFP personalities also tend to be very sensitive to other people’s feelings. They are inclined to seek harmony in all situations and have no difficulties sensing a change in someone’s emotional state. On the other hand, ISFPs can also be incredibly competitive and react very badly to any form of criticism. That competitive nature often pushes ISFPs toward risky activities such as gambling or extreme sports—and they tend to do quite well in those fields, mostly because they are so in touch with the physical environment.

ISFPs often find it very difficult to follow a structured process and consequently may do quite poorly at school. However, their spontaneity and other personality traits make ISFPs very artistic and give them a great sense of aesthetics. People with this personality type may fall behind in the academic environment, but they can truly shine in the field that utilizes their talents while also giving the ISFP a sufficient degree of freedom.

I change during the course of a day. I wake and I’m one person, and when I go to sleep I know for certain I’m somebody else.
Bob Dylan
Finally, it is worth mentioning that ISFP personalities are very goal-driven and shape their internal principles and rules around those goals. This liberates ISFPs from social expectations and constraints, for better or for worse. If the ISFP’s goal is good and noble, they can be very selfless, amazingly charitable, and inspiring; however, if the ISFP decides to pursue a selfish goal, they can become very egocentric and even conniving, doing everything they can to achieve that goal. People with this personality type should be aware of these tendencies and question their own motives and reasoning from time to time.

There are many potential careers that make good use of these ENFP traits: people with this personality type tend to be brilliant system analysts, scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs. This is where ENFPs can truly shine. For instance, scientists and engineers with great networking and people skills are extraordinarily rare. The same can be said about other ENFP careers, but this is an excellent example of how effective ENFPs can be in certain jobs."

It's right that about the analyst thing, piece of piss for me but everyone else things it's dead hard

ESFPs have a highly developed aesthetical sense, which is one of their strongest personality traits. This type of person will enjoy creating well-decorated surroundings and recognize the value of quality in many other things.

I’m selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you surely don’t deserve me at my best.
Marilyn Monroe
ESFP personalities are very observant, able to notice and respond to someone’s distressed emotional state. As planning and long-term thinking are often their weakest personality traits, ESFPs may be inferior strategists and planners, but they are very well equipped to provide practical advice and emotional support.

The main weakness for many ESFPs is their spontaneity, which can lead to superficiality and forgetfulness. They place more emphasis on quick satisfaction than they do on their obligations and duties. ESFPs are also likely to do their best to ignore potential conflicts instead of dealing with them head-on.

It is likely that the ESFP personality will be very practical, but not when it comes to repetitive or analytical tasks. They would rather rely on their luck or ask other people for help than spend time trying to understand a complex theory.

If you would like to learn more about the ESFP personality type and its traits, download the ESFP In-Depth Profile – a 60+ page guide covering a number of diverse topics. Otherwise, please keep reading: